There is one kind of pride which is more abominable in the eyes of God than any other, and it is that…which belongs more especially to the poor. “A poor man that is proud My soul hateth.” If the pride of one who is rich in merit, talents and virtues—treasures most precious to the soul—is displeasing to God, still more displeasing to Him will it be in one who has not these same motives for pride, but who on the contrary has every reason to be humble. And this, I fear, is the pride of which I am guilty.

I am poor in soul, without virtue or merit, full of iniquity and malice, and yet I esteem myself and love my own esteem so much that I am troubled if others do not esteem me also. I am truly a poor, proud, miserable creature; and the greater my poverty, the more my pride is detestable in the eyes of God. All this proceeds from not knowing myself. Grant, O my God, that I may say with the prophet: “I am the man that sees my poverty.” Make known unto me, O Lord, mine own wretchedness, that of myself I am nothing, know nothing, and possess nothing but my sins, and deserve nothing but hell. I have received from Thee many graces, lights and inspirations, and much help, and yet with what ingratitude have I responded to Thy infinite goodness! –”Humility of Heart” by Capuchin Gaetano (Cajetan) Maria da Bergamo